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The deaths of as many as 40 people in a spectacular chemical explosion in West, Texas offer a reminder of the selfless commitment of first responders.

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poconorecord.com

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Posted Apr. 21, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Apr 21, 2013 at 7:19 AM

Posted Apr. 21, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Apr 21, 2013 at 7:19 AM

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The deaths of as many as 40 people in a spectacular chemical explosion in West, Texas offer a reminder of the selfless commitment of first responders.

Officials say in addition to the known dead, some 160 others were injured in the April 17 blast at a fertilizer plant in this small town near Waco.

Monroe County is far from exempt from such risks. Various sites here work with or store potentially hazardous chemicals. Thousands of trucks transport hazardous materials right through densely populated areas. From 2002-09, 55 incidents of hazardous materials release occurred; 26 of involved materials during transport. Among these were an acid spill from a FedEx truck in 2004 that closed Interstate 80 in Delaware Water Gap and sent 10 people exposed to the chemical for treatment. Another was a truck that overturned in September 2008 in Pocono Township. It was carrying ammonium nitrate and dynamite.

Twice in the past 15 years emergency responders have conducted a comprehensive Haz-Mat Commodity Study Flow, literally counting the tractor-trailers on the interstates and other major routes and monitoring their labels to assess the level of risk here.

Police, fire companies and other emergency personnel here all receive training on what to do when bad things happen. A local emergency planning committee has representatives from across the county. Funding for training and response materials comes from the companies that handle or store the potentially dangerous materials. A Hazard Mitigation Plan undergoes review. Practice drills take place.

Plans, practice and equipment are all key elements of an effective response to an accident. Most important of all is the personal dedication of those who answer the call. Monroe County's firefighters are all volunteers. They willingly spend countless hours learning about various sources of fire, explosions and other emergencies, including hazardous materials operations, and how to manage them. Then, when something happens, they act, risking their own safety and even their lives on others' behalf.

Remember that when following the ongoing story of West, Texas. Should such an event occur, heed the instructions of trained emergency personnel who are trying to safeguard the public. And donate generously to your local fire department.